Connect. Learn. Share.
Who we are
The Private Refugee Sponsor Network (Ontario) is a not-for-profit organization that assists private refugee sponsor groups – whether they are faith-based, community based, or groups of five. We can help you connect, learn and share.
Our goal is to promote and ensure the successful post-arrival settlement of newcomers by private sponsors in partnership with many organizations in the refugee settlement sector.
We do not sponsor refugees, find sponsors or serve individual newcomers. We do not help with immigration issues.
What We Do
We offer services such as networking and training at no cost. Any private sponsor group in Ontario can become a member by completing the Contact Us form.
We are the go-to source for information-sharing, and problem-solving around specific post-arrival issues, as well as training to develop best practice. Experienced sponsors can mentor first-time sponsors with immediate answers to pressing issues.
We recognize there are gaps in support services for private sponsors. Settlement organizations that serve government-assisted refugees are often overwhelmed and are unable to assist private sponsors in a timely way, but we can help. And, we are committed to building new relationships and maintaining existing ones with organizations in the refugee sector.
If you are a private sponsor in another province or territory, we would love to talk about how you can set up a network in your jurisdiction. Get in touch with us at our email address.
Join us
We all benefit when we connect, learn and share. We have an opportunity to close the gaps in support to private refugee sponsors when we work together. We have an opportunity to create stronger relationships with settlement agencies when we identify what we need to ensure best practice. And, we will be better able to demonstrate the important role we play in settling newcomers in Canada, whether we are in an urban centre or a rural community. We are here for you.
Our History
Between November 2015 and December 2016, close to 40,000 Syrians arrived in Canada. Forty-five per cent of those newcomers were privately sponsored. Data collected from a variety of sources documented the challenges in both government- assisted refugee settlement and settlement by private sponsors.
Private sponsors who were looking for immediate answers to challenges found them by working together — sharing experiences and determining those areas they needed to learn more about. Experienced sponsors began to mentor first-time sponsors on post-arrival issues leading to a resource around best practice. An informal network was born.
Since 2016, more than 260 sponsor groups working together have become a formal Ontario provincial network. There is potential, using this model, to grow this network concept across Canada in other provinces and territories.
Our Leadership
We are a volunteer driven Network that responds to the needs of those who participate. A ten-person board of directors, representative of Network members and those from the refugee settlement sector provide governance and financial accountability.
Our Leadership
We are a volunteer driven Network that responds to the needs of those who participate. A ten-person board of directors, representative of Network members and those from the refugee settlement sector provide governance and financial accountability.
Services
The Network offers online workshops to address issues identified by private sponsors. Since 2016, we have offered over 10 workshops chosen to meet immediate need around issues of culture, accommodation, employment, education, ESL, among others.
Participants have appreciated the practical tips, expert advice and counsel, and input from individuals with lived experience. They came to the event with questions and went home with answers. They avoided pitfalls, accessed new ideas and new resources.
Our 2021 series of two-hour, online workshops include:
Workshops
The Network offers online workshops to address issues identified by private sponsors. Since 2016, we have offered over 12 workshops chosen to meet immediate need around issues of culture, accommodation, health and well being, employment, education, ESL, among others. Participants have appreciated the practical tips, expert advice and counsel, and input from individuals with lived experience. They came to the event with questions and went home with answers. They avoided pitfalls, accessed new ideas and new resources.
Saturday, September 25, 2021, 10:00 am — 12:00 noon
Developing Employment Strategies in a Post Pandemic World
- Two-hour online workshop – sharpen your skills
- Learn more about the big picture, changes in developing strategies, finding opportunities and building networks.
- Join a break-out room following the workshop to connect, learn and share
Saturday, November 13, 2021, 10:00 am – 12 noon
The Road to Citizenship for Newcomers
- Two-hour online workshop to learn how to raise the discussion
- What are the barriers and incentives and where are the resources?
- Join a break-out room following the workshop to connect, learn and share
Information-sharing
We share specific information with Network participants through regular emails. When you have something that might benefit others, you are encouraged to send it to info@refugeesponsornet.ca, and we will pass the information along to members.
Problem-solving
If you are looking for a mentor, or someone who has direct experience with a specific challenge you are facing, let us know by sending an email to info@refugeesponsornet.ca. We will do our best to connect you with a member who can help.